Montana Residents Raise Awareness and Funds to Fight Alzheimer's on the Longest Day

On June 21, 2022 – the summer solstice and the day with the most light – Montana residents will join advocates across the world to participate in The Longest Day® to fight the darkness of Alzheimer’s through an activity of their choice. Together, they will use their creativity and passion to raise critical funds and awareness to advance Alzheimer’s Association® care, support, and research programs. The event coincides with Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month® in June.

On The Longest Day, thousands of participants across the world come together to fight the darkness of Alzheimer’s through an activity of their choice – biking, hiking, playing bridge, swimming, knitting, and more. Over the past two years, participants have even found ways to do their fundraising virtually due to the global pandemic. These activities help to shine a light on the more than 6 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s or other dementias, and the more than 11 million family members and friends providing care and support.

Across Montana, community members host a variety of events to raise critically needed funds. While many of the activities will take place on The Longest Day, most will be held in the months leading up to June 21st. In Drummond, a TLD team raises funds throughout the year, including hosting a “Purple Out” basketball game at the local high school. A team in Billings will be hosting a “Rock-A-Thon” with representatives from local businesses spending their day in rocking chairs while collecting donations. And, another team is hosting a Cinco de Mayo party on May 5th and will ask attendees to contribute to their fundraising campaign.

“The best part about participating in The Longest Day is that just about anyone can turn something they already love doing into a fundraiser,” said Amy Riesinger, Director of Development of the Alzheimer’s Association, Montana Chapter. “Participants can use their creativity and passion to fight Alzheimer’s disease and all other dementias, on their own schedule, all while raising funds and awareness for the care, support, and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association.

Key facts about Alzheimer’s include:

• Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States.

• More than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s or other dementias, and more than 11 million families and friends are providing care and support.

• In Montana alone, there were more than 22,000 people living with Alzheimer’s disease in 2020; and that number is expected to rise to more than 27,000 by 2025. Further, there were more than 16,000 family members and friends providing care to a loved one in 2020 totaling approximately 24,000,000 hours of unpaid care valued at $425,000,000.

Visit alz.org/thelongestday for more information and to register.